Laredo Sector Border Patrol Acquires New ATVs

Thursday, November 24, 2011
By: Special to The Laredo Sun

LAREDO, TEXAS - November 21, 2011, Laredo Sector Border Patrol is pleased to announce the acquisition of forty-seven new Yamaha Grizzly ATVs.

This latest fleet acquisition brings to two- hundred fifteen the total number of ATVs available for deployment in the Laredo Area of Responsibility (AOR).

ATV operations are vital to the successful execution of the Border Patrol mission at the Laredo Sector. The terrain found in the ranches surrounding Laredo often hinders Border Patrol agents’ access in their standard patrol vehicle which is the reason ATVs are crucial to deterring or apprehending illegal aliens.

Their smaller size allows Border Patrol agents to maneuver the narrow trails typically found in ranches. This increased accessibility allows ATV units to respond faster then standard patrol units to illegal entries, increasing the likelihood of successful interdiction.

ATVs are also more cost-effective in patrolling rough terrain, and can help lessen the environmental impact of Border Patrol operations. Newer-model Yamaha Grizzly ATVs can average approximately 20 miles per gallon (MPG) and can be even lower on rough terrain or when four-wheel drive is engaged.

These newer models also have 4-stroke engines, which generally emit fewer harmful hydrocarbons and other exhaust substances than older, 2-stroke engines.

Chief Patrol Agent Robert L. Harris is pleased Laredo Sector has been able to secure these additional resources, and is confident their deployment will be an effective tool in helping the agents fulfill their responsibility of securing America’s border and making Laredo a safe place for all residents to live and work.

http://www.laredosun.us/notas.asp?id=19096